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COVID-19 impact on aquatic food systems reveals insights for future resilience
- The onset of COVID-19 disrupted food value chains and reversed years of progress on key development indicators. The pandemic induced shocks to food systems globally, but particularly impacted value chains in food insecure regions: the number of people experiencing extreme food insecurity increased by an estimated 45 million from February to June 2020 alone.
- External link to download this item: https://blog.worldfishcenter.org/2021/06/covid-19-impact-on-aquatic-food-systems-reveals-insights-for-future-resilience/
- WorldFish (WF)


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To better gauge what the market has been through and where the industry is going, the Business Journal talked with four local technology experts: Valerie Kozikowski, regional business line leader for BDO Seidman and head of the BDO Seidman Alliance of Technology; Jerry Engle, founder of Computer Products and Resources Inc. (CPR); Keith Brophy, president and CEO of SageStone Inc.; and Jeff VanderWal, president and COO of hi-tech inc.
“One thing is for sure,” said Engle, “the last two years have been challenging and interesting. Technology can be a wonderful thing, but in a world of false economies and over-spending, we saw the walls around the tech world start to crumble.”
In fact, the past two years have been so tough for the technology industry that Brophy said that of 15 of SageStone’s local competitors, 11 went out of business within the last two years.
However, it appears to have been the forge-ahead attitudes of the surviving companies that allowed each to survive.
“We doubled our sales force when everyone else was scaling back,” Brophy said. “And we made a big investment in our sales team, our technology team, and we re-focused to adjust to the new customer buying attitude.”
The survivors have seen a shift to where the size and scope of IT projects are more manageable and the returns are more carefully managed.
And Engle was careful to point out that technology spending has not gone away, just changed tracks.
“You have to be nimble and be able to move on a dime,” he said.
“People are not spending like they did in the past but they are spending — just in the areas that will make the most impact on their businesses.”
Kozikowski noted that she sees more strategic spending related specifically to business initiatives that drive revenue as opposed to a traditional return on investment.
“What they used to do in IT was a quick ROI that was focused on ‘I think I can save this amount of money.’ But now if it doesn’t support a key strategic initiative to drive revenue and profit more on the sell side than on the cost savings side, then regardless of size, companies are not spending the money,” said Kozikowski. “And I think that is going to hold for awhile.”
This is an assessment with which Brophy agrees.
He said SageStone also saw a shift in customer buying, moving from cool tech, to no tech, to strong ROI-based investment.
He explained that two years back many people felt that if your neighbor had it, you had to have it, too.
Now, he said, businesses are jumping off the trend bandwagon and moving into service-oriented needs.
Brophy, Kozikowski, VanderWal and Engle all noted a shift in consumer buying from product-based purchases to service-oriented necessities.
“We started to do some strategic planning on where we are and who we want to be, and we began to transform,” said Engle.
“We made the big investments, but we were cautious and we were prudent — and I think the only place to go from here is up.”
He added that while his and other local tech companies are on the rise, so are the businesses they depend on.
“I think the (economic) situation has bottomed out,” he said.
“Now we are seeing cautious excitement. People are starting to get excited about the investments they have seen working for their companies, and I do think it will pick up in time, but not to a place where we saw it in the past.”
VanderWal agreed and said while the revenue didn’t stop, it did come in through different means.
“There were some sectors of the market that didn’t need to cut back on technology spending, and then there were others like manufacturing that really had to step back and take a look at things,” he said.
“And luckily, in tough times we were able to diversify and generate revenue in different ways, and in the end I think it will all begin to trickle down.”
Foresight is now the key phrase in all four technology professionals’ vocabularies and each sees a high level of consumer confidence ahead.
Each also thinks it still is going to take work to get there.
“We are going to have to penetrate other markets and expand with complimentary services,” said Brophy.
“You have to play to where the market takes your customers, and I think that is what the surviving companies are aiming to do.”

domain: news


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Europeans are keener to buy a car than Brits
MORE than four in ten Brits expect to buy a car in the next two years, while motorists elsewhere in Europe are even more upbeat with half hoping to splash out, research out today claims.
Forty-five per cent of UK residents who took an online survey said they want to buy a car within two years, trailing the rest of Europe after several years of Britain’s car market soaring while sales across the continent fell.
Britons have a more optimistic view of the economy than their European counterparts, with EU figures showing that a net balance of 3.3 per cent of UK shoppers expect their financial situation to improve in the next year, compared to a net 6.6 per cent across the EU who believe things are getting worse.
Nevertheless, the European Automobile Manufacturers Association found last month that demand for new cars has been steadily increasing over the last six months, with sales up 6.6 per cent at the start of the year.
Nielsen’s internet poll of 30,000 people in 60 countries found that 65 per cent around the world expect to buy a car within two years, though the firm points out that online respondents tend to be younger and more affluent than the wider population.
The UK and the rest of Europe are outshone by Asia Pacific, where a whopping 72 per cent expect to buy a car, and Latin America, where three quarters hope to do so.
The market research company found that 28 per cent of Europeans intend to buy a used car, compared to 22 per cent looking for a brand new vehicle.
New car sales in Britain were up 17.7 per cent last month.


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Train operator East Coast has relaunched its successful 25 Reasons campaign to offer its customers bargain low-cost First Class fares for just £25.
Following its success last year, the campaign started on Wednesday and runs until Monday, when customers can book one of 100,000 First Class one-way fares to any destination across the East Coast route.
For example, customers travelling the 393.5 miles between Edinburgh and London can travel in comfort and style for just over 15 pence per mile.
By visiting the dedicated web-page www.eastcoast.co.uk/25reasons, East Coast customers can take advantage of the fantastic deal and book tickets for travel between April 10 and May 31 inclusive, excluding May 4-7.
The campaign highlights the many great reasons to travel First Class, such as the complimentary food and drink service, free Wi-Fi, a dedicated quiet coach and a more spacious and relaxing environment. The £25 one-way fare is available from www.eastcoast.co.uk/25reasons


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Microsoft partners which derive most of their revenue from cloud can earn almost fifty per cent more in add-on services than those whose sales come mainly from traditional kit, the vendor said today as it reiterated its cloud commitment at its global partner event.
Microsoft's Worldwide Partner Conference (WPC) kicked off today in Toronto, attracting thousands of global partner delegates. During the main keynote, its CEO Satya Nadella talked up the importance of emerging technology areas such as cognitive speech and mixed reality gear such as Hololens. In previous WPC keynotes, cloud services such as Office 365 and Azure have hogged the limelight, but the widely popular services took something of a back seat this year.
But speaking to CRN after the keynote, Microsoft's director of product management for Microsoft Partner Network (MPN) Niamh Coleman reiterated the importance of cloud services to partners as they transform their businesses.
"For partners up to 50 per cent in the cloud, they're getting $1 for what they sell, but $4 of extra add-on services. For partners who are doing more than 50 per cent of their business in the cloud - they've got more leverage and experience - they're getting $5.87 in add-in services [per $1 sold]."
She said that partners are enjoying success in cloud when they specialise in a certain niche, rather than trying to do it all in the cloud.
"If you go too broad, there are certain partners who are having success in that regard, but those who find their niche are the ones that are realising huge success," she said. "For partners up to 50 per cent in the cloud, they're getting $1 for what they sell, but $4 of extra add-on services. For partners who are doing more than 50 per cent of their business in the cloud - they've got more leverage and experience - they're getting $5.87 in add-in services [per $1 sold]. So the upside is huge. But it doesn't have to be because you've built out 10 different practices."
Coleman added that 80 per cent of Microsoft customers are using cloud in some way, which she said demonstrates the opportunity for partners.
However, not all businesses counted in that figure will necessarily be using only cloud services, and it means a fifth of partners are not using cloud at all.
Coleman said there is still an opportunity for traditional resellers who have yet to move to the cloud, provided it is what the customer wants.
"There's work for [traditional partners] to do," she said. "If 80 per cent of customers [deploy cloud in some way], there are others who have on-premise technologies. There's also the possibility for partners to partner with other partners. Even if they're not going to do the cloud component, they can do the on-premise component and work with IP providers, for example, or MSPs, to deliver on that promise for customers.
"We are seeing that happen in a very organic way. We're very focused to make sure we are forging those connections. We all care about our customers and we are here for our mutual customers. We meet our customers where they are and there's certainly on-premise business and hybrid business [to be had]. It depends on where the customer is. But interest wise, every time we go out and survey them, they are more and more in the cloud."
Security firm set to become part of acquisitive Shearwater Group
Distributor merges three northern sites into one new hub in Warrington
Activist investor puts forward five director candidates as turmoil continues at security giant
Nima Green asks what is driving public cloud uptake in Germany


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On top of the often-fabricated nature of many posts, both by brands and influencers, a part of the fraught relationship with Instagram stems from the platform’s seemingly never-ending changes. Since the 2018 Facebook shift, it can often feel like users are waiting for the other shoe to drop. Shannon Hunter, 32, a Vancouver-based social strategist, attributes this to a sense of ownership many users have with the platform. “We feel like social media is ours, and that we own it in a sense of the word. But we don’t,” Hunter tells Supermaker. “We like to feel ownership of it ... because we’ve created a space on that channel, but I’m still beholden to the terms of service. We feel emotionally connected to these pages we create … but we don’t truly own these companies.”
Even though users don’t own the platform, their content, or their accounts, they still fight to figure out how to best use it. Facebook Groups, group texts, and Instagram chats offer spaces where influencers and social strategists come together to brainstorm, air out their frustrations, and explore new opportunities for growth. As this takes place, one topic is often thrust into the spotlight: the ever-murky concept of shadowbanning. But is it real? Instagram’s Eva Chen, who directs fashion partnerships at Instagram, shared in 2017, “There are a lot of misconceptions about the algorithm like it’s this shadowy thing.” She asserted that shadow banning does not, in fact, exist.
“As far as shadowbanning, every week in influencer groups, someone will talk about how their post is doing badly and how they can’t reach their usual amount of likes, but I don’t think it’s always the algorithm,” Molu says, adding that she doesn’t think it’s out to get anyone. Terentieva agrees that the concept of shadowbanning is not as simple as the platform shoving certain posts aside. “I [personally] don’t believe in shadowbanning,” Terentieva explains, adding that those doing things on the platform that they shouldn’t, such as copying and pasting comments, will get in trouble eventually. “I don’t know if there’s some sort of secret, hidden thing behind any [single] action, but the things people talk about that you’ll get shadowbanned for are things that are shortcuts to begin with, like engagement pods.”
While shadowbanning remains shrouded in mystery, another concept is commonly discussed among experts: whether the platform, like Facebook, is now strictly pay-to-play. “It’s just a fact,” Molu says. “Instagram creators left because of Facebook being pay to play. That being said, everyone knows once you add #ad, your reach is throttled. Even in my contracts with brands, they’ll give me a budget to promote the post on their end because it’s the nature of the platform.”


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MILAN — Growth across the board in all its business channels helped the Yoox Net-a-porter Group SpA close 2016 with 12.4 percent growth in sales — and surpass the $2 billion mark.
In the 12 months ended Dec. 31, the online retailer saw revenues climb to 1.87 billion euros, or $2.05 billion. On an organic basis, sales were up 17.7 percent.
The group reported an acceleration in the last quarter, which registered an 11.4 percent uptick in sales to 538 million euros, or $592 million.
An upbeat Federico Marchetti, YNAP’s chief executive officer, expressed satisfaction during a conference call with analysts on Tuesday about the results obtained in the first year as a single company after the merger, during a “major integration” and despite “exogenous actions.”
He said he had “even greater confidence on our long-term strategy” and that he was “happy and excited” about the brand additions last year, which included labels ranging from Prada and Valentino to IWC Schaffhausen and Moncler. He also said the Kering joint venture performed “very, very well, one of the best in the monobrand business.”
“The rapid execution of our group’s combined ecosystem is laying the foundations for a leading, solid, long-term business,” Marchetti said. Mobile now accounts for almost half of the group’s sales “as the result of constant innovation and unparalleled new content and design,” he pointed out.
Marchetti revealed that the company has tapped Matt Woolsey and Deborah Lee as, respectively, managing director of Net-a-porter and chief people officer. Asked to comment about the exit last month of Sarah Rutson, vice president of global buying at Net-a-porter.com, chief financial and corporate officer Enrico Cavatorta said her departure had “nothing to do with the integration,” and that, under “a new leadership, it is normal, it’s a natural change, and it did not catch us by surprise.” He explained he “did not expect any impact” and emphasized the group’s relationship with the brands.
Marchetti and Cavatorta said the outlook for 2017 was in line with the strategy presented in London in July for the next five years, with net organic revenue growth between 17 percent and 20 percent and a “slight increase” in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization margin. “The years 2016 and 2017 were investment years and we will start to see the full effects from 2018 onward,” Cavatorta said.
In the year, the multibrand in-season business line, which includes Net-a-porter and Mr Porter, grew 8.4 percent to 968.6 million euros, or $1.06 billion, including Thecorner and Shoescribe, which were discontinued on Aug. 31 and which accounted for 1.1 percent of the total in 2016. The channel accounted for 51.8 percent of total sales.
The multibrand off-season business line, which includes Yoox and The Outnet, saw sales climb 16.8 percent to 696.8 million euros, or $766.5 million, representing 37.2 percent of total sales.
Yoox added Burberry Children and, over the last quarter of the year, a shop-in-shop for Polo Ralph Lauren, as well as Disney’s first online fashion store for designer collaborations. The Outnet added Tom Ford, Fendi and Etro and expanded its private label offering with the introduction of Iris & Ink first footwear collection.
The online flagship stores division in the fourth quarter was up 27.4 percent to 74.3 million euros, or $81.7 million, and in the year, it gained 17.1 percent to 205.3 million euros, or $225.8 million.
Isabel Marant has signed a five-year global agreement for an online store due to launch in June. The new online flagships for Chloé and Alfred Dunhill were launched in Europe, the U.S. and the Asia-Pacific region, including China.
In addition, A|X Armani Exchange debuted in North America last July, as an extension of the group’s existing global partnership with Armani, which was renewed for an additional 10 years until 2025. The group also renewed deals with Valentino, Red Valentino, Moncler and Marni until 2021.
In general, Cavatorta said the second half of the year grew more than the first half. He pointed to “severe headwinds” in currencies and a slowdown in Italy due to uncertainties associated with a political referendum and an advertising campaign that “was not as effective as expected.”
The U.K. ended the fourth quarter up 16.6 percent at constant exchange rates and down 1.7 percent at current exchange rate, penalized by the depreciation of the euro, to 78.2 million euros or $86 million, and accelerating on the first nine months of the year driven by strong growth in spending among the higher-value customer base. In the year, the region showed a 15.3 percent increase at constant exchange rates and a 2.3 percent gain at current rate.
“We returned to pre-Brexit levels,” Marchetti pointed out. Cavatorta added that “a full recovery” in September was a “good surprise. None of us would have bet on this in July.”
Sales in the year in North America, the group’s main market, climbed 14.1 percent to 573.9 million euros or $631.3 million. “The U.S. recovered in 10 days after the [presidential] elections,” Marchetti said.
Italy posted fourth-quarter gains of 4.5 percent to 37.4 million euros, or $41.1 million, reflecting a tough comparison base (up 23.1 percent in the same period in 2015) and softer demand, likely attributable to political uncertainty. In 2016, revenues climbed 12.5 percent to 124.8 million euros, or $137.3 million. Italy showed signs of recovery in January, Cavatorta said.
Europe, excluding Italy and the U.K., was lifted by a strong growth in Russia, but reflected continued softer performance in France and Germany. For the year, sales rose 11.1 percent to 488.1 million euros, or $537 million.
Revenues in Asia-Pacific rose 24.8 percent to 302.3 million euros, or $332.5 million, mainly driven by China, Hong Kong and Japan. China was defined as “one of the best performing” areas, Cavatorta said.
Sales in the Rest of the World area increased 6 percent in the year to 111.7 million euros, or $122.8 million, driven by business in the Middle East. As reported, in November, the group set up a joint venture with Alabbar’ Symphony to further develop the area.
Asked by one analyst about competition with the likes of Farfetch, Silvia Scagnelli, corporate development and investor relations director, said: “We believe our business model is best suited for luxury, supply driven and where relations are key, with super demanding customers.” She spoke of building a “long-term business model based on values” shared with brands, citing the agreement with Armani first signed in 2000 and just renewed for another 10 years, for example. “[Brands] need to feel at ease, control every aspect, there are no third parties capabilities and 99 percent of orders are delivered on time. We speak the same language.”
Marchetti emphasized his “utmost respect” in approaching designer brands, highlighted the “merger of the century in luxury online” and concluded: “Everybody else has a long way to go.”
Full financial results will be released on March 1.


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Updated: Nov 9, 2019
The decision of the government to cut the Corporate tax rate from 34.3 % to an effective rate of 25.17% has brought cheers to the Industries already grappling with the economic slow down.
This measure has been the single largest tax rate cut by the government, bringing India’s tax regime at par with the globally competitive markets and making a strong case for investment in India. From a domestic policy perspective, the situation looks primed to benefit the “wealth creators” as mentioned by the PM in his speech.
Why corporate tax rate cut?
The corporate Tax cut is more like an Income tax rate cut and the policy could be easily implemented starting the next Financial year, Moreover, the governments focus to make India the Manufacturing hub under “ Make in India” would be aided by this measure. Because of the high tax regime, India was not able to attract FDI into the country. A lower tax rate would not only ensure greater corporate profitability but also make India a more competitive market for Investments.
Impact on economic activity
The impact of tax rate cut can be view from two perspectives.
1. Immediate Impact:
On the immediate term, it leaves the corporates with more money, which can be utilised by them to either reinvest in existing firms or invest in new venture (capital creation). However, it is also possible that the surplus money may be utilised towards repaying debts or pay a higher dividend to shareholders. Whether or not the company decides to further invest the fund depends on the prevalent macroeconomic scenario. Investment decisions is crucially dependent on the consumption levels prevalent in the economy. If there is a higher consumer demand for Cars, FMCG products, the firms would prefer to invest. However, with the consumption levels being depressed across sectors, the businesses would not like to go for a phase of capacity expansion presently.
2. Medium term Impact:
In the medium to long-term ie. anywhere between 2-5 years, a corporate tax cut is expected to boost investment and increase productive capacity of the economy. This is because regardless of a slump in demand in the short-term, investment decisions are taken keep in mind the future demand projections. If the demand is expected to grow, investments will bear fruit and with lower taxes, profits will be higher. These investments will also create jobs and increase earnings in the due course.
Was tax rate cute the right measure to boost the economy?
The measure of the government had been critiqued by many as a knee-jerk reaction to present slowdown and as a measure to boost the stock markets up.
While it is difficult to argue that it would, there are greater chances that India’s GDP growth will continue to struggle in the current financial year despite the rate cuts, owing to a multitude of reasons.
1. Inventory pile-up:
The official statistics of the government show that workers in several key economic sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing have seen their incomes stagnate. This has led to joblessness in the country and the areas which have continue to grow have seen a phase of jobless growth, leading to a fall in the employment level in the country. This essentially means that peoples buying power has been severely constrained and that is why there is fall in consumption levels, resulting in higher unsold inventories which the corporates would first have to dispose before embarking on a phase of expansion.
2. No direct correlation between rate cuts and Investments:
A report published by CARE ratings shows that 42% of the tax savings as a result of the rate cut will go to firms in the banking, financial and insurance sectors (BFSI segment). These firms can at best lend to others to aid growth, they cannot directly invest and start manufacturing activities. So, while the rate cuts will help the improve their balance sheets and make the financially sounder, there may not be an immediate boost to the economy. Labour- and Capital-intensive sectors are as it is plagued with the issues of over capacity and are thus unlikely to further invest to enhance their capacity.
3. The employment factor does not pay:
Higher the tax cut, higher the ability of the firm to pass on cost reductions to consumers in the form of lower prices and given that the demand is sufficiently price elastic, it would spur more demand, lead to increase in production and hence employment in that sector as the multiplier effect plays out.
However, in reality there may be no commensurate increase in employment since the most labour-intensive sectors, agriculture; textile manufacturing etc. are still plagued with various policy blunders that had stemmed their growth and are least likely to be affected by the cut. For eg : Since 2011-12, the gross fixed capital formation as a proportion of GDP in India has registered in negative CAGR -2.44%.
Textile manufacturing specifically is the second largest employer after agriculture but the sector has been unable to capitalise on the domestic presence of an entire value chain – from fibre, yarn, fabric and apparel along with affordable and abundant labour as India’s share in the global textile exports still remains a minuscule 5% in comparison to China’s 38% market share.
This is due to the policy failure with respect to Fibre neutrality. The differential tax rates in India (GST) with respect to Indian cotton (5%) and manmade fibres (12%) act as a cost impediment during exports given the global consumption ratio of cotton to manmade fibre apparel is 30:70 – this reduces cost competitiveness and misaligns exports with global market consumption.
Therefore, what is required is a sector specific growth plan and a not a blanket tax solution as each sector has its unique problems and a only a focussed tax plan would spur growth in such segments.
4. What happens to Fiscal deficit?
At the central level, the tax cut will lead to an estimated revenue loss of 1.45 trillion of Gross Tax Revenue (GTR) (ie. 0.7% of the GDP foregone) and will push the fiscal deficit to about 4.2% which far exceeds the government target of containing the Fiscal deficit to 3.5% of the GDP.
This might affect the government’s ability to expend and given that the fiscal expenditure multiplier (0.45 as estimated by the RBI in 2018 1 ) is much higher than the estimated tax cut impact on the GDP (as per Nobel Laureate Economist Abhijit Banerjee 2) , the impact of lower spending with the current macroeconomic headwinds would be cascading. Since lower collection will affect transfers to states, their finances would also come under pressure. As states are a 42-per-cent-party to GTR according to the 14th FC formula (Corporate tax is part of divisible pool and 42 per cent of it belongs to the states), they will together bear nearly Rs 60,000 crore of this revenue loss. This occurs when the following data shows the prevailing conditions at state level.
This would also curtail the ability of states to expend (they have a revenue expenditure multiplier of 0.82 which would further cause economic stress). The bond market witnessed a heightened 10 year yield rate; which can be controlled by open market operations with injection of liquidity but such interventions by the RBI can potentially become incompatible with its inflation-targeting mandate. A higher general government deficit will impede transmission of its monetary policy. RBI has already been purchasing government securities worth 3.5 trillion rupees in the past 18 months and with the government set to ask for an even higher dividend transfer this year owing to fiscal woes, what may be worrying is the RBI resorting to print and spend cycle.
The best way to boost the economy?
The debate of the corporate tax rate cut vs direct capital infusion by the government to boost the economy (given the different multiplier rates) would be a topic of contention amongst various economists. But all we can hope for now is that the slew pf measure by the government aided by the rate cut would pull the economy from its slowdown and usher a time of growth.


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With the official announcement and launch scheduled to happen in a few days, it comes as no surprise that details regarding AMD's 2nd generation Threadripper 2000-series have started to appear online, including the new packing box, which has been revealed by Videocardz.com.
The new box is significantly different than the one for the first generation and shows the CPU in all its glory, displayed behind a translucent window. The box includes a hidden shelf with all the tools, manuals, and other things. The back of the box also shows the new Threadripper slogan "unlocked, unrestrained, uncompromising.".
In addition to the leaked box, IXBT did a full video unboxing of the flagship 32-core Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX, and although it was promptly taken down, Videocardz.com managed to grab a couple of screenshots, showing the contents, which include a mounting bracket, screwdriver, and a sticker.
The post suggests that selected reviewers were handed two samples, the 16-core Threadripper 2950x and the 32-core Threadripper 2990WX, as well as a dummy CPU for display purposes.
Reviews should start to appear in next few weeks as AMD is trying to keep a tight lid on it, at least for now.


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Tuesday Aug 04, 2020
Tuesday Aug 04, 2020
Jonathan Keim, communications director at CryptoCurrencyWire, called in with his usual weekly triplet of exciting developments in the crypto space. He started with the headline: “CoinPayments Appoints Veteran Tech Marketer Ray Torresan as CMO to Drive New Branding & Global Growth” (http://ccw.fm/qDTuf). CoinPayments, a large cryptocurrency payments processor, has appointed Ray Torresan as chief marketing officer as part of the company’s major rebranding initiative. That marketing repositioning is meant, in turn, “to support exponential revenue growth targets,” says the company.
The CoinPayments platform allows merchants to accept Bitcoin and hundreds of altcoins in their stores by incorporating plugins, APIs and POS interfaces. As a result, the company, now with more than 2.2 million users in 182 countries around the world, has come a long way since 2013, when it became the first payment processor to support altcoins. CoinPayments now supports transactions in more than 1,900 coins.
Next on Keim’s list was the news that Jack Dorsey’s Cash App is sponsoring NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace (http://ccw.fm/IvaiL). Wallace, perhaps best known for the role he played in getting NASCAR to ban displays of the Confederate flag at its events, has a new backer, and it’s none other than Twitter co-founder and CEO, Jack Dorsey.
The sponsorship deal requires Wallace’s car to sport the logo of Cash App, the mobile payments platform from Square, which was also founded by Dorsey, as well as the Bitcoin emblem. Square’s Cash App offers mobile banking services plus the ability to transact in stocks and Bitcoin.
Finally, Keim reported on what is driving institutional interest in cryptocurrency investment, according to Huobi Global (http://ccw.fm/NSSEs). Huobi has experienced a surge in transactions as institutional investors have flocked to the company’s futures market place. In early May, futures and swap trading transaction volume reached $5.2 billion. A substantial part of this was due to perpetual contract swaps that hit $2.2 billion during one 24-hour period, a remarkable achievement considering that perpetual swaps were launched on March 31.
For the most recent episode of the Wild West Crypto Show, which includes CryptoCurrencyWire’s ongoing segment featuring the latest news from around the world, visit http://ccw.fm/CpbTi.


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Shoppers across Falkirk district are being encouraged to support the local economy this Small Business Saturday (December 2).
The campaign, which celebrates small businesses and the vital role they play in their communities, boosted takings by £717million in Scotland in 2016 by cultivating lasting, year-round support.
Falkirk West MSP Michael Matheson said: “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, supporting jobs and growth in our communities as well as providing an invaluable service to consumers.
“Falkirk district has a huge variety of brilliant independent, locally-run businesses and it’s important that we support them in a market that’s increasingly dominated by the big players.
“Many people will be out doing Christmas shopping on Saturday and I encourage everyone to see what’s on offer locally. You might be surprised by the unique and special gifts you can find on your doorstep.
“There are 3900 small and medium-sized enterprises in the Falkirk Council area, employing 21,850 people, and by shopping locally we can help them and our communities thrive, because research shows that money spent locally is more likely to stay in the local economy.”


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General Motors and Ford sales fall 6.9%, Fiat Chrysler sees 1% sales drop in February
General Motors and Ford sales were down 6.9% and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles reported a 1% sales drop in February compared with the same month in 2017.
For FCA, the decline could represent a leveling off for the automaker after months of declines as it spools out new products.
GM has a series of new offerings coming out soon in high-demand areas that could boost its prospects in coming months, too. Ford, as usual, saw gains with its truck sales, with the F-Series marking its best February in 18 years.
GM sold 220,905 vehicles in February compared with 237,388 the same month a year ago. Its luxury Cadillac brand had a solid month with double-digit increases for its ATS, Escalade and XTS.
That follows last month, when GM sales were up 1.3% compared with January 2017.
Across GM's brands, Buick had the best month, up 1.2%, while Chevrolet and GMC both fell, 8.8% and 8% respectively.
GM touted a $500 drop per vehicle in its incentive spending compared with an average industry drop of $64 to $65.
“Consumer confidence is at its highest level since 2000, the economy is strong, our newest products are selling very well and we have successfully managed the transition to the 2018 model year far better than most of our competitors,” Kurt McNeil, U.S. vice president of GM sales operations said in a news release.
The company on Thursday unveiled the new 2019 GMC Sierra and Sierra Denali light-duty pickups; and on March 7, Chevrolet is to unveil the new 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 4500HD and 5500HD, which are chassis cab trucks designed for commercial and small business customers. Cadillac is also planning to unveil the XT4 crossover later this month.
GM's chief economist Mustafa Mohatarem said, “The impact of tax reform and tax refunds aren’t being felt fully by consumers yet. We expect consumer spending to pick up as tax cuts are reflected in paychecks.”
This February's performance for FCA followed a sales drop of 12.8% in January versus the same month in 2017.
FCA, which sold 165,903 vehicles in February, has cited a strategic drop in sales to lower-margin rental fleets as a reason for much of the decline, although a string of new and refreshed products rolling out, such as the new 2018 Jeep Wrangler, could begin to shift the trajectory.
FCA's fleet sales for the month fell by 3% compared with February 2017, with fleet accounting for 26% of total sales.
The major bright spot for FCA was Jeep, with sales up 12%.
Across its other brands, FCA's sales were mostly down, with Chrysler off 3%, Dodge down 8% and Ram dropping 14%. Fiat was down 42%, but its volumes were low at 1,241 vehicles. On the flip side, Alfa Romeo passed the Fiat brand in February, selling 1,568 vehicles, representing a 254% hike from February 2017.
Bucking a declining trend in the passenger car market, the Dodge Charger saw a 9% increase for the month.
That would appear to reinforce something Tim Kuniskis, who now leads Alfa Romeo and Maserati but used to oversee FCA's passenger car brands in North America, recently told the Free Press. He said that cars that stand out, rather than "vanilla A-to-B commoditized sedans," continue to sell.
Ford's February sales followed a down January, too, when the Dearborn automaker's sales dropped 6.6% compared with the same month in 2017.
Ford, which sold 194,132 vehicles in February, has acknowledged demand exceeds production of its new Lincoln Navigator and Ford Expedition. Factory workers are running the Kentucky Truck Plant extra shifts to get the vehicles built and shipped.
"Our all-new Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator are moving fast, as we work to increase our output to keep up," said Mark LaNeve, Ford vice president, U.S. marketing, sales and service.
Retail sales for the Lincoln Navigator gained 60% in February with customer orders outpacing supply. And overall transaction prices for Lincoln have grown $4,600 over last year.
Ford's fleet sales for the month fell by 3.8% to 71,059 vehicles from February 2017, with fleet accounting for 36.6% of total sales.
The major bright spot for Ford is the spike in transaction prices against the industry, with $36,200 versus $32,200. LaNeve said Ford's transaction pricing represents a $2,100 increase over last year.
"Our transaction pricing continues to benefit from a high series mix of F-Series (and) increasing demand for SuperCrew trucks," he said.
The F-Series saw movement of 68,243 trucks in February, the 10th consecutive month of gains. The all-new Expedition saw a a 41.4% jump in sales. The new Ford EcoSport saw sales of 2,300 SUVs for February, with dealers not yet at capacity. And the Ford Fusion grew 1.3% to 16,721 vehicles sold.
Overall sales of Ford and Lincoln products dipped in February. Order for the Police Interceptor Utility grew 8 percent from the previous month to 2,654 vehicles. The new Transit Connect is seeing steady sales of 2,101 and 2,102 for the first two months of 2018.
Ford executives have cautioned investors to keep expectations modest in the first half of the year, as new products get delivered to dealerships.
The Japanese automaker posted a surprisingly solid month with total sales of 182,195 vehicles.
The company sold more crossovers, SUVs and pickups in February than ever before, rising 10.5%. Passenger car sales fell 3.1% despite a strong performance for the company's redesigned Camry, which increased 12.2% to 30,865 vehicles.
Overall, the Toyota brand increased 4.4%, and the Lexus luxury lineup increased 5.1%.
Nissan sold 129,930 vehicles overall in February. That included a 4% decline for the company's namesake brand and a 6.7% decline for its Infiniti luxury lineup.
Sales of passenger cars plunged 15.1%. But sales of crossovers, SUVs and pickups increased 5.6%.
The Rogue crossover continued its hot streak, with sales up 15% to 38,119.
The company's pickup trucks enjoyed a solid month. The full-size Titan was up 25.9% to 3,761 units, while the mid-size Frontier rose 68.8% to 7,992.
The Japanese automaker sold 115,557 vehicles for the month.
The Honda brand declined 5.6%, while the luxury Acura lineup rose 1%.
Sales of passenger cars fell 6.9% as the company's typically stalwart Accord fell 15.8% and the Civic declined 4.5%.
The Pilot SUV made up some of the difference, rising 48.9% to 12,056.
The VW brand posted a 6% sales increase to 26,660 vehicles. The company's Audi luxury lineup surged 12.4% as the Q5 crossover soared 36% to 4,469 vehicles. The Porsche brand jumped 20.5%.
The Japanese automotive brand's momentum continued with overall sales of 47,249 vehicles, marking its best-ever February.
The Outback was Subaru's best seller for the month, rising 4% to 14,021 vehicles. But the company's passenger cars struggled.
Still, a profitable mix
February is traditionally one of the slowest months for auto sales, but this year, that slowness came in the midst of a declining, although still healthy, market.
Consumers, however, continue to reward automakers with purchases of more profitable trucks and SUVs at the expense of passenger cars, a trend that has been playing out for some time.
Dave Sullivan, an analyst with AutoPacific, echoed that sentiment.
"SUVs and crossovers are flying off of lots, even with parts of the country getting hit hard by cold and snow early in the month. If there was ever any doubt that crossovers were just a trend, it's safe to say they are here for good," Sullivan said.
With sales expected to slow in 2018, incentive spending might have been expected to increase.
But Ford's LaNeve touted an industry more willing than in the past to resist the temptation to offer incentives to boost numbers.
“In February, overall incentive spend for the industry was down $65 year over year, and was down $50 sequentially to January. This is really a change from what we saw most of last year and in fact what we saw most of the last three years when year-over-year changes in incentive spend were up on average $300 to $400 consistently during that entire time frame,” LaNeve said.
Analysts with Cox Automotive, however, noted that incentive spending increased later in the month as automakers worked to improve sales, which might have been down more than expected.
Michelle Krebs, executive analyst for Autotrader, said that automakers are using incentives "because the pie is shrinking," but that incentives have not gotten out of line because average transaction prices are increasing.
Analysts noted that interest rates on new vehicle loans are rising, and have reached what appears to be an eight-year high. The annual percentage rate on new financed vehicles averaged 5.2% in February, compared with 4.9% in 2017 and 4.4% five years ago, according to Edmunds.
Contact Eric D. Lawrence: firstname.lastname@example.org. Follow him on Twitter: @_ericdlawrence.


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Title: Hot-zone beef remains a hard sell
Source: Kyodo News
Date: July 24, 2012
Hot-zone beef remains a hard sell
Prices remain low for beef from Fukushima and three surrounding prefectures as radiation fears linger a year after shipments were banned over the March 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster.
Last July, beef from Fukushima and other prefectures was found tainted with cesium above the provisionally set limit of 500 becquerels per kilogram. The government banned shipments from Iwate, Miyagi, Tochigi and Fukushima prefectures before lifting it last August on condition that all their cattle be tested for radiation.
The price of Fukushima-made beef, however, is lagging at ¥1,342 per kilogram, or 77 percent of the February 2011 level
The price of Tochigi beef has rebounded 94 percent, while prices have recovered 91 percent in Iwate and 88 percent in Miyagi.
Published: July 24th, 2012 at 5:53 am ET


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News by Topic
- Search Marketing
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- Trends & Ideas
- Internet Marketing 101
94% of all websites experienced a bot attack in 2016
Bots continue to account for more online traffic than humans but, according to new figures released by Imperva Incapsula, the positive news is that, despite a slight rise in bot activity, that increase is attributed to good bots.
Bot operators, and the non-human traffic they generate, are becoming more sophisticated. The Interactive Advertising Bureau reported last year that digital fraud costs advertisers around $8.2billion each year.
The 614 Group/Distil Networks survey of 40 of the comScore 250 publishers, such as Hulu, Thomson Reuters, Univision and AccuWeather, found that nearly three-quarters (74%) say traffic quality issues are part of pre-sales discussions and more than two-thirds (68%) have been asked to provide information with non-human traffic thresholds.
The latest data in Imperva Incapsula's Bot Traffic Report reveals that, in 2016, bot traffic accounted for more traffic (51.8%) than humans. While that figure is up on last year's report, in which bots accounted for 51.5% of all online traffic, the good news is that the increase is due to good bot activity.
According to Imperva Incapsula, good bots now account for 22.9% of all bot activity (up from 19.5% in their last report) and bad bots account for 28.9%, a very slight increase of 0.1% from the previous report.
Good bots assist with automated tasks, including data collection and website scanning, while bad bots are responsible for malicious activity. For the fifth year in a row, impersonator bots, most often used to launch DDoS attacks, were the most active, accounting for 24.3% of all traffic on Imperva's network.
Perhaps the most shocking statistic in Imperva Incapsula's report is that 94.2% of all websites experienced a bot attack last year.
"Often, these assaults are the result of cybercriminals casting a wide net with automated attacks targeting thousands of domains at a time," says the company. "While these indiscriminate assaults are not nearly as dangerous as targeted attacks, they still have the potential to compromise numerous unprotected websites. Ironically, the owners of these websites tend to ignore the danger of bots the most, wrongfully thinking that their website is too "small" to be attacked. It is this ostrich mentality that helps bot attacks succeed, motivating the cybercriminals to keep launching bigger and more elaborate automated assaults."
Just this week, one of the most significant moves ever made to tackle online ad fraud occurred with the first-ever JICWEBS industry seals awarded to companies who have been verified their processes reduce the risk of fraudulent ads being served.
- Study: Most want loyalty to be mobile
- Expert: Data key to video strategy
- Study: Half of loyalty club members want retail redemption options
- Unilever to up digital spend following display ad trial
- FreeWheel: Video ad views up 24% YoY
- Report: Post-purchase contact key for future engagement
- Ad Roundup: Customer-focused releases
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“In his role as the lead author and the leading proponent of DSHEA, Sen. Hatch paved a pathway for the modern dietary supplement industry, which has grown from around $2 billion in sales in 1994 to more than $35 billion this year,” said Loren Israelsen, president of the United Natural Products Alliance (UNPA), which is hosting the tribute luncheon.
“The industry and its leadership are joining together to honor his dedication to the health and wellbeing of all Americans and to celebrate the 20th anniversary of this landmark legislation.”
Senator Hatch’s continued leadership in the Senate on behalf of dietary supplements is widely recognized as vital to the industry’s continued growth and success, adding thousands of jobs and billions of dollars to the economy of Utah and beyond.
The celebration will be held at the Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City from 12-2pm on October 23, 2014. Registration is $25 per person and can be found HERE. The luncheon will be followed by a one-hour program during which Senator Hatch will address attendees.
The event will be preceded by a private meet-and-greet and photos with the senator for event sponsors. Potential interested sponsors should contact Kira Olsen: email@example.com


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Adventure Science Center takes on beer, 'Star Wars'
The force is strong with this one — this year's Science of Beer, that is.
Adventure Science Center's annual event returns, with a "Star Wars" theme and more than 70 beers.
Adults will learn how temperature and drink containers affect carbonation, create instruments from beer cans and bottles, taste liquid nitrogen beer ice cream and watch demonstrations from Craft Brewed and PUBlicity.
Food trucks will also serve dinner for purchase.
The event is from 7-10 p.m. on Dec. 17 at 800 Fort Negley Blvd. Tickets are $45 and $55 for nonmembers. RSVP at www.adventuresci.org or call 615-862-5160.


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Feel your food sooner and promote better digestion and enjoyment of your life.
Researchers have found that eating too fast makes one consume more calories due to the effect of a quicker ingestion of hormones.
Kathleen Melanson, a researcher from the University of Rhode Island, led a study on slower eating with 30 college-aged women. On the first occasion, she gave them large plates of pasta and a glass of water and told them to eat as fast as they could until they were comfortably full. On the second occasion, she asked them again to eat until they were comfortably full, but this time to put down their utensils between bites and take time to chew up their food. Continue reading
A new article printed in The Journal for Endocrinology and Metabolism confirms the effectiveness of eating slowly and portion control in producing weight loss. The study also suggests very-low-carbohydrate diets such as the Atkins plan may only be as effective as placebos and the current weight loss drugs are definitely not a cure for obesity. Continue reading
April-May 2010, Initial Airdates New Year, New You
…Additional Airdates will follow….ENJOY THE PROGRAM!! Continue reading
Attacking that sandwich, pasta, salad or chips as fast as you can may seem like the best idea when you’re hungry. But take heed, eating slowly will benefit you in ways that you’ll like and in more ways than one. Continue reading
Eating Habit 1
Problem: In a study, women who ate quickly ate more and in less time than those who ate slowly. By taking your time your brain can better register fullness and tell you to stop eating. Continue reading
Margaret Furtado, Yahoo! Health Expert and Johns Hopkins Nutritionist, raves:
Just discovered www.mydietdinnerware.com! Loved this concept, and ate at least 1/4 less at lunch today by eating more slowly!
Q. I seem to eat faster than other people. Could that cause weight gain? Continue reading


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The airline (NYSE: LUV) and Douglas County-based Dish Network (Nasdaq: DISH) made the announcement Tuesday as part of the "Watch TV on the Fly" program. Dish and Southwest in July began giving free access to live TV and to on-demand programming on the airline's WiFi-enabled airlines through Apple, Android and other Internet-ready personal devices.
The new service allows passengers on Southwest to borrow an iPad from its "Watch TV on the Fly" libraries, which will be at DIA, Chicago-Midway International Airport and Oakland International Airport. The iPad borrowing program is available to customers flying between DIA, Chicago and Oakland. Travelers on one of those routes can return the iPad upon landing.


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Bad Day for Retail
Black Friday became Black & Blue Friday for some:
- NEW YORK (AP) _ A Wal-Mart worker was killed Friday when "out-of-control" shoppers desperate for bargains broke down the doors at a 5 a.m. sale. Other workers were trampled as they tried to rescue the man, and customers shouted angrily and kept shopping when store officials said they were closing because of the death, police and witnesses said.
And on the other coast:
- PALM DESERT, Calif. (AP) _ Two men pulled guns and shot each other to death in a crowded toy store Friday after the women with them erupted into a bloody brawl, witnesses said. Scared shoppers fled but no one else was hurt.
On the other hand, we finished all our Christmas shopping using the miracle of the Internet, free shipping and UPS Ground. Best of all, no sales taxes for Shortshanks and Toddler to steal.
Labels: sarcasm AND silliness


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At the opening of the Cleveland Auto Show, UAW Local 1112 President, Glenn Johnson, who oversees General Motors’ Lordstown, Ohio, plant said the automaker is absolutely committed to Chevrolet Cruze production.
The Cruze remains one of GM’s best-selling cars and ranked among the top ten best-selling cars in 2017. Of the top ten, the Chevrolet Cruze placed eighth on the list with just over 160,000 Cruzes sold. Despite a downward sales trend in passenger cars overall, the sales figures “underline the importance of the Cruze within the segment,” Rick Demuynck, GM Lordstown’s plant manager, told WKBN.
The Lordstown plant suffered a handful of blows in 2016 and 2017 as GM laid off 1,200 workers and scheduled multiple weeks of downtime for workers still on the job. Lordstown builds the Cruze sedan, while GM builds the Cruze hatchback in Mexico.
The plant was the only remaining operation with two unions representing workers, though both officially merged into one unit earlier this month. With one cohesive union, leadership had a clear message: they’ll build whatever GM asks of them.


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Amazon will continue to sell its controversial facial recognition software to law enforcement and other entities after its shareholders shot down a proposal to reel the technology in. The vote effectively kills two initiatives brought before Amazon's board. One proposal would have required board approval to sell the software to governments, with approval only being given if the client meets certain standards of civil liberties. Another proposal called for a study on the technology's implications on rights and privacy. The exact breakdown of the vote is unclear and according to an Amazon representative it will only be made available via SEC filings later this week.
In a previously undocumented use of facial recognition software, police in Washington state are using Amazon's'Rekognition' to track down criminals with as little as an artist's sketch. According to a report from The Washington Post, police in Washington County are able to compare pictures of suspects harvested from security cameras and eye-witness' cell phone pictures against databases containing 300,000 mugshots of known criminals. In just Washington County Police Department alone, the report states more than 1,000 facial scans were logged last year which have helped identify subjects, sometimes leading officers to home arrests. Amazon's facial recognition software is being used to process criminal sketches in an unprecedented deployment of the technology in law enforcement. While law enforcement say the software has been a critical tool in expediting investigations and tracking down otherwise elusive criminals, skeptics say the use of facial recognition opens up a proverbial Pandora's Box of mass surveillance that could lead to more false identifications.
Amazon says its increasingly popular facial recognition software has learned a few new tricks, including the ability to discern when someone is scared. The software, called'Rekognition', has added'fear' to its list of detectable emotions which already includes'Happy', 'Sad', 'Angry', 'Surprised', 'Disgusted', 'Calm' and'Confused,' said Amazon in an announcement earlier this week. In addition to its emotion capabilities, Amazon says its has also improved Rekognition's ability to identify gender and age more accurately. Amazon's facial recognition software can now detect'fear' and better glean age and gender according to an announcement by the company. The improved age features offer smaller age ranges across the spectrum and also more accurate range predictions, said the company.
New details have emerged about how Amazon markets its controversial facial recognition tech, Rekognition, to law enforcement. Documents obtained by BuzzFeed News show that the internet giant provided the Orlando Police Department with'tens of thousands of dollars worth of technology' for free. It comes after Orlando decided to renew its Rekognition contract with Amazon in July, after it expired in June. New details have emerged about how Amazon markets its facial recognition tech, Rekognition, to law enforcement. As part of the deal, Amazon has required Orlando to sign a nondisclosure agreement about the pilot, meaning that details about it wouldn't be publicly available.
A new report details what privacy experts are calling a dangerous misapplication of facial recognition that uses photos of celebrities and digitally-doctored images to comb for criminals. According to a detailed investigation by Georgetown Law's Center on Privacy and Technology, one New York Police Department detective attempted to identify a suspect by scanning the face of actor Woody Harrelson. After footage from a security camera failed to produce results in a facial recognition scan, the detective used Google images of what he concluded to be the suspects celebrity doppelganger -- Woody Harrelson -- to run a test. The system turned up a match, says the report, who was eventually arrested on charges of petit larceny. In a new report from Georgetown University, an investigation shows that police have used celebrities to help its facial recognition software identify suspects.


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“Most importantly, I think the funding is a huge statement to the development community that this device is coming to market,” DeMartini told IGN. “And anybody who is considering development for VR, should come to our platform and should be ready for business.”
While DeMartini makes it clear Oculus is offering guidance—and possible financial assistance—to all types of game developers, including tiny indie workshops and triple-A studios, he also makes it abundantly clear the company is interested in changing more than how we peer into traditional video games. There’s a sense now, with the large investment capital and the employment of a seasoned EA executive, the Rift is morphing from a game peripheral into a broader interactive device.
“Certainly, gaming is an incredible focus and we’re aiming at a huge array of gaming content in a variety of sizes and genres,” said DeMartini. “But beyond gaming, as you think of education, attendance at live events, experiencing all kinds of other experiences, vis-á-vis traveling to the beach in Barcelona, followed by the beach in Hawaii…I mean, there’s so many.”
Even though it’s reliant on external hardware…that definitely won't be forever.Nate Mitchell, Oculus VR’s vice president of product, seems excited about the possibilities of the Rift headset outside of games. As Mitchell notes, the Rift is still early in the process of its evolution, and there’s no telling where developers could take virtual reality. There’s a very genuine tone of wonder underlying the voices of both men, as they banter back and forth about where the Rift could take us. What if we could attend a sold out concert with our friends? What if school children could leave their books behind, attend a gladiator match together in the Roman Colosseum? Mitchell calls it a “Magic School Bus-like experience.”
The possible ramifications of virtual reality on video games, if not ordinary run-of-the-mill experiences, are admittedly intriguing. And while the discussion of letting our real-world selves delve into a projected universe is older than The Lawnmower Man, both DeMartini and Mitchell are quick to point out we’re no longer talking about some far-flung tech; the Rift is just around the corner.Of course, none of this is to say Oculus VR has abandoned its gaming focus. The team’s primary objective right now is attracting game developers, and according to Mitchell, the platform—a term brought up numerous times during our interview—is already drawing in its fair share of backers, beyond the names we’ve already heard like Valve and Epic. As both men note, “content is king.”
“We think gamers are going to be excited to see it when we get there, to see what we’ve been working on with some of the best and brightest developers in the world,” said Mitchell.
The Oculus team is clear to point out its appreciation for its early industry supporters, too. While Mitchell declined to elaborate on the current relationship with Valve, and possible integration with the upcoming Steam Machines, Oculus is readily thankful for the ongoing support. “Valve has hands down one of the best VR teams in the world,” said Mitchell. “I can’t get into all the details, but a lot of the success around VR is Valve working with us to push this thing forward.”
The future of the Oculus VR, like all new and advancing companies, is somewhat hard to gauge at this point. The company is clearly positioning the Rift as a platform, but it’s a platform dependent on external hardware, e.g. PC and mobile devices. But as DeMartini says, the company’s headset is more than a fly-by-night peripheral like those Guitar Hero instruments gathering dust in your closet. The Rift has the potential—an inevitability, according to Mitchell—to eventually find its way as a standalone product.
“Even though it’s reliant on external hardware, whether that’s a PC or mobile device, that definitely won’t be forever necessarily,” said Mitchell. “It’s just the inevitable direction the industry is going to go in, especially for VR and [augmented reality]. The Rift is going to support plugging right into your mobile phone or tablet. What if you just moved the phone into the headset?
“We don’t have any announcements around our roadmap in that direction, but all the work that John Carmack has been doing on mobile is totally aligned with that vision in the long term.”
And the concept of a standalone Rift may prove the best solution for console gamers. While Mitchell reiterates the Oculus team “would love to work with consoles,” the current status of Rift compatibility with your PlayStation 4 or Xbox One doesn’t sound so promising. The focus appears unabashedly honed in upon PC and mobile devices, thanks in no small part to console manufacturers—according to Mitchell—playing “gatekeeper” over their platforms.
“It’s all about doing some sort of deal with them to bring the Oculus Rift over,” said Mitchell. “But we’ve moved so fast in one year. And frankly, we’re still pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on modern day hardware. In 5 to 7 years, take what we’ve done in the last year and multiply by five, the very best experiences—the Rift 2.0, or 3.0, or wherever we are—are going to be on PC.”
The Rift has gone through a number of prototypes over the last year or so. The original 720p resolution developer kit has given way to a 1080p prototype, debuted at E3 back in June. Some of the big changes—outside of the recently announced lower latency to combat motion sickness—were focused on providing users with a crisper image, of course. But according to DeMartini, visual prowess isn’t the end-all-be-all of virtual reality.“It feels like this is a truly revolutionary change within gaming,” said DeMartini. “I’m so tired of hearing about better visuals. The independent developers are tired of hearing about better visuals. This is a whole different kind of design continuum, and a whole different experience.”
So, where does Oculus VR go from here? When asked about the recent changes to the Rift, especially in light of growing announcements from upcoming competitors like the Avegant Glyph, Mitchell said the company thoroughly welcomed fellow devices as a means of growing the VR market. Of course, that doesn’t mean Oculus is sitting on its laurels.
“We’ve got a few more tricks up our sleeves these days.”
Matt Clark is a freelance writer covering the world of videogames, tech, and popular culture. Follow him on Twitter @ClarkMatt and MyIGN at Matt_Clark.
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Do you know that, Sony is planning to expand its Xperia series? Yes! After launching the phablet-sized devices, like the Z Ultra, and Xperia XA Ultra, now the fantastic handset maker is reportedly working on a new Xperia phablet – dubbed as the Sony Xperia X Ultra. Recently, the concept renders of the said device had surfaced online.
The renders have shown the first look of the upcoming Sony Xperia X Ultra, with an amazing display size, featuring 21:9 aspect ratio. To be precise, the device is expected to be equipped with a big display, which is taller than the latest device like Galaxy S8 (18:5:9 ratio) and the LG G6 (18:9 ratio).
Moreover, on seeing the alleged renders, we can confirm that the device will sport a 6.45-inch display. However, the leak have not evoked any details about the display resolution, yet there are chances for it, to get a 1080p display, while there will be extra pixel to cope-up the long display screen.
Apart from the display, the new Xperia X Ultra would be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 chipset. Further, it will be coupled with a 4GB of RAM and 64GB of built-in storage. Moving to the camera part, there is a 19 MP main camera and a 13MP secondary camera.
Besides, the device will hold its power from a 3,050mAh battery (capable of Quick Charge 3.0) and would run on Android 7.0 Nougat of Sony’s version. We can also expect an IP68 rating, to withstand water immersions and dust.
Finally, the renders also shows that the device will hold dual speakers and will be made available with two color options, such as Red and grey. Sony has received many good rewards on its Xperia X product line-up and expectantly, the upcoming one will also retain the fame. Hopefully, the device will hit the shelves very soon.


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While performing a bit of prep for this week over the weekend, I stumbled upon a change I hadn’t notice in the last week pertaining to GoDaddy Expired Domain Auction Valuations.
It was early summer when GoDaddy added a valuation column to their auction platform and received mixed feelings from the domain investing community.
Some domain investors believe having valuations associated with expired domain auctions sets a false and sometimes unrealistic domain valuation.
Other domain investors feel it has helped to narrow down and whittle down the massive list of domains in auction.
In addition, many have stated and agree having valuations has caused an uptick in expired domain activity and increased domain cost for bidders on domains that would have otherwise been sniped at closeout or near bargain-basement prices.
Nevertheless, the thing that I noticed while executing a few searches was the valuation column now displaying prices for domains less than $500.
It now appears that valuations will show a price when above $100 while showing “less than $100” or no value at all (mostly emoji domains).
Not certain how much of a change for the better or worse this update will impact domain investors or auctions in general. Thought I would share to see if anyone else has taken notice.
In other news, GoDaddy recently beta launched a Domain Appraisal Tool that shares domain valuations price between $100 and $25,000. Nothing more, nothing less.
Per DomainInvesting.com, this new free-to-use tool is allegedly using the same algorithm as the one used to valuate the GoDaddy Auctions Platform.
And like anything in its infancy, many domain investors are finding the tool to be under- and over-valuing domains quite consistently.
Based on the comments across multiple blogs, it looks like GoDaddy has quite a ways to go before it’ll be stamped as the go-to Domain Valuation Tool or Platform.
But truth be told, with only Estibot as the other valuation tool to date, GoDaddy is about the only company in the industry with deep enough pockets to spend both time and money in the artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques needed to create a value-add valuation tool.
It’ll be interesting to see how this tool impacts the industry in general, especially if buyers of domains leverage the tool to negotiate their next domain acquisition.
What do you think?


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Warsaw [Poland], November 21 (ANI/Sputnik); Trade centers and shops in Poland will resume operations starting November 28 while complying with sanitary rules, despite a surge in the number of COVID-19 cases per day, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said on Saturday.
Over the recent weeks, the epidemiological situation in Poland has deteriorated, with the country registering in November single-day records for new cases and fatalities, 27,875 and 637, respectively. As of now, most shopping centers are closed.
"We have decided that starting next Saturday, trade centers will operate in the highest sanitary regime," Morawiecki said at a press conference.
At the same time, the prime minister said that shops would be closed in case of violating sanitary rules.
Meanwhile, fitness centers, cinemas, concert halls will remain closed, the official added.
In addition, the prime minister announced 100 days of solidarity in the fight against coronavirus.
"We are starting these 100 days of solidarity, which will help us survive the coming months. We have 100 days of solidarity ahead, at the end of which, we will most likely to be vaccinated," Morawiecki added.
The official also called on compatriots to refrain from trips, avoid mass gatherings and comply with hygiene rules during these 100 days.
In early November, the government toughened restrictions in a bid to limit the spread of the virus, but stopped short of imposing a lockdown. Poland's entire territory is now considered a high-risk "red zone." Restaurants, bars and cafes are only allowed to offer takeaway services, students have returned to distance learning, and gatherings of more than five people are prohibited.(ANI)


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Adam Bowen and James Monsees, the cofounders of Juul, had particularly short-lived tenures as billionaires.
Forever 21 could close 111 underperforming stores in the US. Here's the full list of locations at risk.
Forever 21 is expected to close 111 locations in the US. Here's a list of the possible store closings.
Only 31 stores of a planned 350 have been announced for the American Dream megamall so far — here's the full list
The stores are slated to open March 2020 and will include Forever 21, H&M, Saks Fifth Avenue, Hermes, Zara, Sephora , Uniqlo, and Foot Locker.
Forever 21 is selling a shirt printed with the name of an Ariana Grande song 2 months after she filed a lawsuit against the brand
The sweatshirt reads "Don't call me angel," and could have been inspired by Ariana Grande's hit song of the same name.
Forever 21 hasn't been the brand of choice for Gen Z, which is largely concerned about sustainability and social issues.
Forever 21 and Payless ShoeSource are two of the largest companies that have filed for bankruptcy in 2019, according to Chapter11Dockets.com.
Forever 21 has filed for bankruptcy, and you should spend your gift cards as soon as possible, expert says
Gift cards from Forever 21 should be spent as soon as possible, said Jay Klauminzer, CEO of Raise, a leading gift card marketplace.
The owners of Forever 21 say that they've lived the American Dream. Bernie Sanders says they're destroying it.
Sen. Bernie Sanders blasted Forever 21 on Twitter, saying that, while the store's founders won't suffer due to the company's bankruptcy, workers will.
I used to shop for clothes exclusively at Forever 21. Here's why I stopped going over time, and why I'm not surprised the store has filed for bankruptcy.
Like many other millennial and Gen Z shoppers, I've recently begun to favor thrift shops over major retailers like Forever 21.
Photos show the glory days of Forever 21, which thrived with cheap styles in the wake of the recession but has now fallen into bankruptcy
Forever 21 just filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. But for much of the 2000s, it appeared unstoppable.
'RIP Forever 21': People are reminiscing about their days of shopping at the fast-fashion retailer as it pledges to reorganize in bankruptcy
Presented with the news of Forever 21's bankruptcy and store closings, fans are lamenting the downfall of one of their favorite retail chains.
Forever 21 has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. We traced the history of the teen retailer.
We shopped at Forever 21 the day after the fast-fashion retailer filed for bankruptcy and saw firsthand why it's in hot water
We visited Forever 21 stores in New York City and London the day after the bankruptcy and saw firsthand why the company is in trouble.
Forever 21's bankruptcy filing includes a lengthy meditation on the 'American Dream' and its South Korean immigrant founders' entrepreneurial spirits
Forever 21's bankruptcy filing strikes an optimistic tone with a discussion of the American Dream, which it says its founders embody.
Forever 21 just filed for bankruptcy — and the husband and wife duo who founded it have lost nearly $4 billion from their personal net worths since 2015
At Forever 21's peak in 2015, Jin Sook and Do Won Chang had a combined net worth of $5.9 billion, according to Forbes.
At its peak, Forever 21 made $4.4 billion in revenue. Here's what led to the brand's downfall and bankruptcy.
Forever 21 was among America's fastest-growing retailers. It transformed its once penniless founders into billionaires and became a powerhouse of fast fashion.
The company wrote in a letter to its customers that it applied for bankruptcy on Sunday as part of a Chapter 11 filing.
Ariana Grande is suing Forever 21 over ads she says featured 'a look-alike model' wearing her signature hairstyle
Grande's lawyers filed a complaint arguing that Forever 21 attempted to sell products by hiring a model who looks "strikingly similar" to the star.
Millennials are an important demographic for brands. Here are their 105 favorite brands, according to the marketing agency Moosylvania.
Forever 21 is selling 'Fake News' biker shorts for $10 and many people see it as an attack on journalists
Still, some Twitter users applauded the company for selling the shorts, including one who said he purchased 25 pairs for a Republican fundraiser.


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Google has announced the launch of its partners programme in Nigeria, which is designed to further empower the country’s digital ecosystem.
The certification programme brings together Google and advertising agencies, digital marketing agencies, and other online consultants who manage AdWords accounts.
The company, which made the disclosure recently in Lagos, explained that the initiative was aimed at enabling digital agencies and brands taking advantage of the online marketing tools to connect with their users.
“Through the Partners programme, Google ensures that businesses get the help they need when it comes to things like search, mobile, display, video, and shopping advertising.
“Digital marketing agencies with partner certifications will be able to display it on their websites, showing that they have passed Google Ads exams and are up to date with the latest product knowledge,” the company said.
Speaking at the product launch, the Country Director, Google Nigeria, Juliet Ehimuan-Chiazor said: “The introduction of Google Partners is just the latest example of our commitment to bringing the next wave of Nigerian businesses online.
“Google sees Nigeria as a strong market for growth. We look forward to seeing how digital marketers use the Partners programme to fuel the next phase of that growth.”
According to Ehimuan-Chiazor, “Anyone wanting to become a Google Partner has to pass Google Ad Words product certification exams. Plus, they have to stay up-to-date with the latest product knowledge.
“That means if you approach a digital marketing agency or consultancy with partner status, they’re far more likely to give you the best service in search, mobile, display, video, and shopper advertising.”
Agencies are key partners for working with small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). The Google Partners programme helps us bring businesses online by strengthening the digital ecosystem,” she added
Google further disclosed that there were also significant advantages for digital marketing professionals in the programme. Not only can they accelerate customer acquisition, they can also continually improve their product knowledge, and earn rewards.
According to Google, there were also a number of benefits for agencies that achieve Google partner status.
One major benefit for partners is accelerated customer acquisition through being able to introduce themselves to the market as a Google Partner and being searchable within the Google Partners channel.
“Partners can also continually improve their product knowledge with Partners University and Advertiser Community Partner sessions. Additionally, agencies can earn rewards, providing incentives for their staff to stay up to date with their certifications,” Google said
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Progressive talk gone from WWZN?
A. Joseph Ross
Wed Jul 25 15:55:06 EDT 2012
On 7/25/2012 9:06 AM, Bob DeMattia wrote:
> >From their website, a posting from Jeff Santos:
> "We are experiencing technical difficulties on AM 1510 in Boston, but we
> are still broadcasting! You can watch the live video stream of Rebuild
> America atwww.RevolutionRadioNetwork.com<http://www.revolutionradionetwork.com/>
> your computer or your mobile device. We are working diligently to solve the
> problem, and hope to be back up as soon as possible. Thanks for listening! "
Or maybe Jeff Santos ran out of money to pay WWZN.
A. Joseph Ross, J.D.|92 State Street|Suite 700|Boston, MA 02109-2004
More information about the Boston-Radio-Interest


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CodeBroker has developed a marketing tool that enables retailers to securely deliver money savings offers to potential consumers via Facebook, while increasing brand awareness and building customer loyalty.
Created with retailers who are reluctant to leverage Facebook to offer discounts in mind, Smart Coupons for Facebook lets retailers know when an offer is received on Facebook, when it is viewed and when and where it was redeemed — which, according to CodeBroker, provides retailers with a comprehensive picture of the purchase funnel.
When the number of allotted offers has been dispensed, the promotion ends, guaranteeing that an offer that goes viral will not result in a huge financial liability for the retailer. CodeBroker ensures that only one offer can be assigned to a Facebook ID, as opposed to using cookies.
“Retailers have been reluctant to provide rich offers on Facebook because of the potential financial liability they face when offers go viral,” said Dan Slavin, CodeBroker CEO. “Smart Coupons for Facebook leverages our unique, one-time-use coupon technology to take the worry out of Facebook marketing campaigns.”
Retailers using Smart Coupons for Facebook can run two types of promotions: One-time-use coupons on their Facebook page, or campaigns that let consumers gift offers to a Facebook friend.
Visitors to a retailer’s Facebook page who wish to receive a one-time-use coupon can click on the posted offer and either print the coupon or retrieve it from the Facebook mobile application and have it scanned from their smartphones at checkout.
Customers who want to gift offers to a Facebook friend can click on the posted offer and identify the friend to whom the gift should be sent. The Facebook friend receives a notification and has the option of printing the coupon or retrieving it from the Facebook mobile app.


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Baidu Thinks It Can Play in Japan
Facing slower growth and increased competition at home, Baidu.com (BIDU), the dominant search engine in China, is making its first foray overseas. On a call with analysts following the company's announcement of earnings for the fourth quarter, Baidu Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Robin Li said the company will spend $15 million trying to replicate its at-home success in Japan this year.
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Good Morning, Brooklyn: Wednesday, December 22, 2021
MORE SPEEDING DRIVERS: Aggressive driving has increased on New York roads, according to a new analysis of DMV data, which reveals harsh new driving behaviors. Rosenblum Law, which specializes in traffic violations, examined accident and traffic ticket data throughout 2020 which points to significant change in driving habits, most substantially a 70% increase in extreme speeding (more than 31 mph above the posted limit), along with surges in aggressive driving and serious accidents. Last year 17,000 tickets were written in New York for exceeding the speed limit by 31 mph or more, a statistic even more meaningful, given a 13% overall decrease in traffic due to COVID-related lockdowns, remote work, an increase in online shopping, fewer discretionary vacations, and road trips.
Yet, the five boroughs of NYC, including in Brooklyn (Kings County) led the state in traffic ticket declines.
MURDER CONVICTION: A former Brooklyn resident has been convicted of two counts of murder for shooting to death his sister and former girlfriend 19 years ago, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez announced on Tuesday. The defendant, who committed the murders in July 2002, and identified as Andre Neverson, 57, of Trinidad and Tobago, then fled Brooklyn and remained at large until his arrest in Bridgeport, Connecticut in 2018. Kings County Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun presided at the jury trial in which Neverson was convicted of two counts of second-degree murder and one count of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon.
The defendant will be sentenced on January 31, 2022, at which time he faces up to 50 years to life in prison.
LEAD FOUND IN RACING CAR TOY SET: The New York State Division of Consumer Protection wants the Super Car Racing Car set removed from toy store shelves nationwide, after that product failed safety tests. Lab findings showed that this toy, manufactured in China, failed the federal children’s product safety standard protocols for lead levels in excess of the 100 parts per million or ppm standard. The state agency has called on the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission to review and act on the findings.
The Super Car Racing Car set may be disposed of by throwing it away, or consumers may wish to set it aside in a safe place and await possible future recall instructions, which may or may not include a refund component.
LAB WARNED FOR SLUGGISH TEST TURNAROUND TIMES: LabQ Diagnostics, a Brooklyn-based laboratory with dozens of mobile locations across New York City, has received a warning from New York Attorney General Letitia James upon her discovery that some consumers have been waiting over 96 hours (four days) for COVID-19 test results, even though the company advertises that consumers can expect results within half that time. The letter notifies LabQ that New York law prohibits false advertising and instructs the company to immediately update its signage at testing sites and on the company’s website to accurately reflect how long individuals can realistically expect to wait before receiving COVID-19 test results, and to provide this notification to clients who are currently awaiting answers.
Attorney General James instructs consumers who believe they have received misleading statement on turnaround time from any testing facility to file a complaint online with the Office of the Attorney General’s Consumer Frauds and Protection Bureau or call the office at 1-800-771-7755.
IPS NEWS: CONSUMER ALERT ON PRICE GOUGING: New York Attorney General Letitia James has issued a consumer alert concerning potential price gouging of over-the-counter coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) at-home testing products, as well as other in-demand essential products, in the wake of the current surge of cases due to the Omicron variant. The Office of Attorney General (OAG) has received complaints of COVID-19 testing products being sold at double or triple the retail price. While a standard BinaxNOW brand test kit costs appropriately between $14 and $25 for a package of two tests, there have been alleged reports of the same product being unlawfully sold for more than $40 and up to $70 per package.
New York law prohibits merchants from taking unfair advantage of consumers by selling goods or services that are vital to their health, safety, or welfare for an “unconscionably excessive” price.
RIGHTS OF DISABLED, HOSPITALIZED PERSONS: Individuals with disabilities have the right to an essential support person to accompany them while they are hospitalized, thanks to a package of legislation that New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has signed. The new laws make certain that a hospital may not establish any rules or regulations in a response to a pandemic or state disaster emergency declared by the governor, to prohibit a patient who suffers from a disability from having an essential support person present for the duration of their hospitalizations.
The law defines the term disability as an individual having any condition or disorder that makes it difficult for them to communicate a medical condition or certain everyday needs, including but not limited to autism or cerebral palsy. The individual with a disability is allowed to designate a single support person to assist with medical and everyday needs, and that such essential support person shall be limited to the patient’s parent, spouse or caretaker.
POLICY PROPOSALS TO HELP RESTAURANTS: The NYC Hospitality Alliance has released 10 critical policy proposals that the city, state and federal government should enact immediately to ease the economic pain that more than 20,000 NYC restaurants, bars, nightclubs and event spaces are experiencing. These proposals include offsetting the cost of sick pay; getting rapid tests to restaurants to protect the health and safety of restaurant workers and diners; converting sales tax to grants so businesses have immediate money on-hand to cover expenses; reinstating Alcohol to Go; allowing the safe use of propane heaters for outdoor dining; replenishing the Restaurant Revitalization Fund; requiring the IRS to send Employee Retention Tax Credit checks to businesses; passing the Low-Revenue Recipient Paycheck Protection Program Relief Act that Rep. Jerry Nadler introduced.
Another policy proposal is to get more people vaccinated and boosted.
MOST POPULAR LIBRARY BOOK: The Vanishing Half, a powerful novel by Brit Bennett which focuses on two twin sisters and issues of racial identity and bigotry in the segregated South, was the Brooklyn Public Library’s top checkout for 2021. The other most popular checked-out items, in e-books, audio books, and physical book format, were The Midnight Library by Matt Haig; A Promised Land by Barack Obama; The Guest List by Lucy Foley; Caste: The Origins of our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson; Minor Feelings by Cathy Park Hing; The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides; The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah; The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab, and Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid.
The first three Harry Potter books also ranked on the lists of 2021 top checkouts, with the full roster — including children’s and young adult titles — available via https://bklynlib.org/topcheckouts21
CHALLENGING A DECADE’S REPUTATION: The 1950s are often referred to as a time of prosperity and conformity; however, author James R. Gaines’ new book, The Fifties: An Underground History, upends this conventional narrative, portraying brave individuals who advocated civil rights, gay rights and the feminist and environmental movements. Gaines will participate in a virtual program through the Center for Brooklyn History, on Wednesday, January 19 at 6:30 p.m. (Registration: https://www.bklynlibrary.org/calendar/cbh-talk-fifties-virtual-20220119)
Joining Gaines in conversation will be award-winning author Daniel Okrent, the first public editor of The New York Times.
SHIP AHOY: Naval sailors and other military branch members, who protect the United States at sea and thus must often sacrifice celebrating holidays with their loved ones, send home greetings through the Navy Office of Community Outreach. Senior Chief Petty Officer Calvin Hou, a Brooklyn native deployed with his fellow sailors aboard the USS Essex, wants family back home to know they are missed this holiday season and writes, “Christmas and the holidays usually means time with the family. The most special moment for me and my family, was for my grandmother to meet her great-grand daughter for the first time last year.”
“Sitting in my living room drinking coffee and watching my kids opening gifts Christmas morning with all my family around last year, is something I look forward to next year,” added Hou.
IPS NEWS: FOLLOW-UP ON PET STORE FRAUD: A Long Island-based pet store can no longer purchase or adopt animals for re-sale in New York after New York Attorney General Letitia James successfully secured a court order protecting puppies. Last week, Attorney General James had filed a lawsuit, alleging that both Shake A Paw locations — in Lynbrook and Hicksville — sold hundreds of sick or injured puppies to unaware consumers.
The court order also requires a vet appointed by Attorney General James to examine all puppies currently in Shake A Paw’s possession prior to their sale, and freezes Shake A Paw’s bank accounts to potentially pay restitution to impacted families.
IPS NEWS: SUPPLEMENTAL SNAP ALLOTMENT: All New Yorkers enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will receive the maximum allowable level of food benefits for December, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Tuesday. All households participating in SNAP—including those already at the maximum level of benefits—will receive a supplemental allotment later this month, bringing in roughly $230 million in federal funding into the state’s economy this month and more than $2.4 billion since January.
Moreover, those households already near or at the maximum benefit level will receive a supplemental payment of at least $95.
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St. Louis Park has joined the Climate Mayors Electric Vehicle Purchasing Collaborative, an online portal that provides cities with a single, equal price for electric vehicles and charging infrastructure.
More than 127 cities and 15 counties from 38 states have joined the collaborative, committing to purchasing more than 2,100 electric vehicles for government fleets by the end of 2020.
The city began purchasing Ford Escape hybrids in 2007, purchasing seven vehicles at that time with two currently in their last year of service. The building and energy department added a leased Nissan Leaf to its fleet in 2016. Through the collaborative, a Mitsubishi Outlander plug-in hybrid and a Chevy Bolt (battery electric vehicle) have been added to the city fleet.
By transitioning parts of its vehicle fleet to electric vehicles, the city is seeking to cut greenhouse gas emissions and support its climate action plan goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2040. Access to competitively priced electric vehicles and charging infrastructure and reduced-cost leasing options helps save tax dollars, according to a statement from the city.


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Get your cowboy boots ready.
Organized by Informa Markets Fashion, MAGIC’s event calendar is aimed to expand the retail market and fill gaps between primary buying seasons.
MAGIC Nashville will have its first show from May 16-17, 2022 at the Music City Center. Featuring an intimate collection of women’s and children’s apparel, footwear, and accessories brands and positioned in-between primary shopping seasons, MAGIC Nashville’s May timing is expected to provide retailers the option to shop immediately and replenish inventory in advance of the next selling season.
MAGIC Nashville looks to expand market opportunities to showcase immediate collections, access a new emerging market to expand U.S. presence and increase sales as the lead into August and September buying season events. The exhibition will also showcase curated activations, networking events and education sessions, drawing prominent industry figures, celebrities, influencers, stylists and media.
MAGIC Las Vegas will return to the Las Vegas Convention Center on Feb. 14-16, 2022, and again on Aug. 8-10, 2022. The shows will feature new brands and top sellers in highlighted categories such as trend, young contemporary, sportswear, footwear, accessories and children’s at accessible price points.
Las Vegas will also continue its onsite “creations,” such as Made-in-the USA and sustainability. The event will also continue to support diversity through the Informa Markets for Change Initiative, which fosters allyship, inclusion and equality within the fashion community, through programs, original content, educational programming and unique onsite activations. Trend and young contemporary brands interested in being considered for upcoming MAGIC program opportunities featuring minority-owned, women-owned and LGBTQ-owned fashion brands are invited to apply online at Informa Market’s website.
Continuing the success of its New York debut last month, MAGIC New York will return from Feb. 27-March 1, 2022 and again from Sept. 18-20, 2022 at the Jacob K. Javits Center featuring women’s and children’s apparel, footwear and accessories at accessible to moderate price points.
The event will feature a curated lineup of educational programming, show floor activations and various networking opportunities.
“For the trend and young contemporary market, speed to retail is critical in order to deliver on continuously evolving consumer demands,” said Jordan Rudow, vice president of events, MAGIC. “In 2021, we introduced MAGIC New York and 2022, we are further expanding our portfolio to support the industry’s need for more frequent opportunities to convene and conduct business by bringing the spirit of MAGIC to Nashville. As new trends emerge and consumer demand shifts, MAGIC’s full 2022 calendar will support brands and buyers with more efficient ways to capitalize on the shifts and ultimately, drive more growth for their businesses.”
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Jimmy Dean debuts new look for packaging
DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. — Jimmy Dean has introduced a new packaging look for its line of convenience breakfast products.
The packaging refresh, which features new graphics, product images and a contemporary brand logo, gives the brand’s breakfast products a consistent look and feel across the entire product portfolio, including Jimmy Dean breakfast sandwiches, breakfast bowls, skillets, omelets, pancakes and sausage, quesadillas and all Jimmy Dean Delights product offerings.
"This contemporary new look was created to provide consistency and immediately grab consumers attention, making it easier to find their favorite Jimmy Dean products on shelves," Jimmy Dean VP marketing Amy Grabow said. "We’ve also created a distinct new look for our popular Delights line that communicates a ‘better-for-you’ message while staying true to the Jimmy Dean brand persona."
Jimmy Dean’s convenience product portfolio is expected to complete transformation by November, followed by the brand’s line of refrigerated fresh roll sausage and fully cooked links and patties beginning in early 2013.
Sagent launches drug for apnea of prematurity in infants
SCHAUMBURG, Ill. — Sagent Pharmaceuticals has launched a drug used to treat apnea of prematurity in infants, the drug maker said Wednesday.
Sagent announced the launch of caffeine citrate injection and caffeine citrate oral solution, used to treat apnea of prematurity in infants between 28 and less than 33 weeks gestational age.
The market for the drug was worth about $28.5 million during the 12-month period ended in July, according to IMS Health. The drug features Sagent’s PreventIV Measures packaging and labeling, which are designed to reduce medication errors.
Symphony Health Solutions announces new executive appointments
HORSHAM, Pa. — A subsidiary of strategic equity firm Symphony Technology Group has added two members to its executive team.
Symphony Health Solutions announced that Don Otterbein will serve as SVP marketing and product management, and Jeff Cottle will serve as SVP and chief people officer. Otterbein most recently served as VP life sciences at Cognizant Technology Solutions and held several positions at IMS Health; while Cottle, who will be in charge of human resources, worked as an HR executive at SunGard. Both are based in Horsham, Pa.
"Don and Jeff are both seasoned professionals with excellent relevance for our journey and our opportunities ahead with Symphony Health Solutions," Symphony Technology Group CEO Romesh Wadhwani said. "We are bringing together complementary insight capabilities and organizations with a goal of establishing a customer centric leader for our industry propelled by strong innovation. Don brings deep industry knowledge of the pharmaceutical and health informatics industry and a highly successful track record running product development and business operations functions for technology and information services companies. Jeff comes to us as a seasoned HR executive and change agent well suited to help us bring these capabilities together, as well as drive a strong organizational strategy and talent development."